Eighth Judicial Court Splits Dockets, Reshaping Case Flow | The Locally Times
New administrative order could shift judges, timelines for civil and criminal cases in Departments 26 and 12, posted March 30.
Your day in court just changed if you have a civil or criminal case in Departments 26 or 12 of the Eighth Judicial District Court. A new administrative order, posted March 30, 2026, details a significant procedural overhaul: both departments will now operate with split dockets. This reorganization could alter how legal matters are processed, potentially affecting which judge hears your case and its progression through the system. ## Court Reorganizes Case Assignments Administrative Order 26-02, made public on March 30, 2026, establishes a revised framework for handling general civil and criminal case assignments within departments 26 and 12. Both departments will transition to a split docket system, dividing caseloads and impacting how general civil and criminal cases are allocated to judges. Judges Gloria Sturman and Michelle Leavitt are identified in relation to Administrative Order 26-02. ## What This Means for Your Case The shift to split dockets in departments 26 and 12 signifies a reorganization of judicial workload and case management. For residents with active or upcoming general civil or criminal cases in these departments, this change may alter the specific judge assigned to their case or the pathway it follows through the court system. While the order defines the procedural change, the direct impact on case timelines, court efficiency, or the experience of litigants is not specified within the public posting. Implementing split dockets is a common administrative strategy courts use to manage caseloads and potentially streamline judicial processes, often by allowing judges to focus on specific types of cases or stages of litigation. However, the order does not provide an estimated timeframe for when these changes will be fully integrated into daily operations or how they will affect existing case backlogs. ## Behind the Court's Decision Administrative Order 26-02 reflects the Eighth Judicial District Court's ongoing efforts to manage its judicial functions. Such orders are formal directives courts use to establish or modify internal procedures, policies, and operational guidelines. The posting of this order on the court's website provides public notice of the procedural adjustment. Serving a large and growing population in Las Vegas and Clark County, the Eighth Judicial District Court handles a substantial volume of both civil and criminal litigation. Changes to case assignment procedures are part of the court's broader responsibility to ensure the timely and orderly administration of justice. The order does not indicate any immediate changes to court hours or public access protocols. ## Quick Facts: What You Need to Know * **Impact on Ongoing Cases:** Changes may alter how existing or new general civil and criminal cases are processed within departments 26 and 12. * **Full Details:** The full text of Administrative Order 26-02 is available via a link on the Eighth Judicial District Court's website, posted March 30, 2026. * **Judges Involved:** Judges Gloria Sturman and Michelle Leavitt are identified in relation to Administrative Order 26-02.